Some people that I care about are supposed to be returning from a trip to Mexico. They found a house close to the beach just a little south of a resort area. The cost was reasonable and they were looking forward to the break. I am a bit nervous today waiting for news of their return. In fact, right now when I’m thinking about it—it feels pretty scary.

So, a few minutes ago I went to one of the online news sites and searched for Mexico. I saw that Saturday, one of their airlines went out of business and stopped flying. Last week there was a horrible massacre of 72 people trying to find a better life–they were from Central and South America and were attempting to reach the United States. Then there were the usual drug cartel assassinations and a shooting in a bar in Cancun. I believe that exposure is the best treatment for anxiety—but so far today, it’s not working.

Other interesting findings on the news web site about Mexico were several stories interspersed about the state that I live in, New Mexico. It’s hard to believe that national new organizations still confuse our state (which believe me) is actually part of the United States. In fact, when I searched MSNBC for news about Mexico, the first article I found was about medical marijuana in New Mexico! But, back to my discussion about Mexico.

Like many neighbors of Mexico, I am very sad about the state of affairs next door. I have so many pleasant memories of trips across the border. There were the reasonably priced vacations to lovely resorts, the visits to Juarez with the kids—just for fun, trips to buy blankets, rugs, and pottery, a few visits when my youngest son attended college there for a year, weddings, Mayan ruins, snorkeling, and a great time teaching a class on Cognitive Therapy to a very enthusiastic and talented group of Mexican students in Merida. Each time we went people were friendly and welcoming. Like many people in the border states, we felt comfortable in Mexico and enjoyed frequent visits.

Well, not so much anymore. As a good cognitive behavioral therapist, I look at the odds. Sure, I’m probably more likely to die in a car accident than on a diving trip in Mexico. But, it just seems too close. It’s not worth the risk. I’m sorry Mexico. I’ll miss you. Hope you get better soon. And hopefully in a few hours I’ll get a call from my son that he’s back in the states.

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    Last reviewed: 2 Sep 2010